Folk costume is not a relic of the past, although today, in the time of fast trends, superficial role models and ultra-fast fashion, we see it less often. In such an environment, it is increasingly difficult for young people to think critically and build their own identity. That’s exactly why he’s talking Gabriele Župić acts as a refreshment.
This high school graduate of the Marko Antun de Dominis Private High School in Split decided to mark her graduation evening in a completely different way – instead of a classic formal dress, she wore the Sinj folk costume and thus attracted attention throughout Croatia.
Behind her decision is hidden a long-standing personal connection with tradition, the region she comes from and the identity she proudly wears. She admitted to us that the idea of a national costume was born after she was thinking about a classic prom combination, but she soon realized that she wanted something that would fully represent herself.
The neighborhood encouraged it
On the Internet, she saw examples of young people from neighboring countries who paid tribute to their traditions in a similar way, which additionally gave her the courage to realize her own idea.
The costume was created two months before the prom, and every detail was made to measure. They worked on its creation Nada Bešlić and Ljilja Gugićwhile Gabriela herself got a bag and socks for the girls. She paid special attention to authenticity, from the jewelry to the final details, so that the whole combination would faithfully represent the Sinj tradition. She did her hair and make-up herself, while her mother and grandmother helped her get dressed. It was her grandmother, she says, who paid attention to every detail and was especially happy about her decision.
– I did the make-up and hair myself, my mother and grandmother helped me with the costume. Grandma was overjoyed, she paid attention to every detail. I was not nervous, I decided to be myself and everything went great.
Although she admits that making the costume was not cheap, she points out that it was not important to her because she had dreamed about it since childhood. At first, the family reacted with disbelief to the decision, thinking she was joking, but when they realized how much it meant to her, they gave her full support. A particularly emotional moment was when her grandmother showed her her own photographs from her youth in national costume.
– For me, the costume from Sinj represents my origin and the area I come from. I’m glad to say that I’m from Sinj, I’ve been here all my life, I see it as something special. I’m not ashamed, we have a nice neighborhood and good people! I’m really proud. I certainly see my future in Croatia. I still don’t know where, but I will definitely return to Sinj, even when I’m old.
For her, the Sinj costume represents much more than clothes – it symbolizes her origin, upbringing and love for the region she comes from. She has been active in the Sinj People’s Theater for years and proudly points out her roots. He believes that today’s young people pay too little attention to tradition and family heritage, even though, as he points out, this is precisely where an indispensable part of identity lies.
There were positive reactions among professors and colleagues. Many approached her during the evening and praised her courage and originality, and the professors admitted that her move did not surprise them precisely because it is Gabriela, a person who always remains true to herself.
She sees her path in art, and her biggest wish is to enroll in an acting academy. Theater and the stage have been part of her life since she was a child, and it was through acting and plays that she found the space where she feels the most free.
